Ive stopped selling on Ebay after 10 years

robtes

As a matter of security I always make a point of using alias data where ever possible - not for any dishonest reasons  just that I do not trust the internet and I have never been financially delinquent.  Have you read the bg to the Ginger Bully  bankrupted 6 casinos yet still stole $millions
I dont know if im allowed to post hyperlinks so here a clue to look up and be amazed  tampabaydotcom /news/politics/national/heres-how-donald-trump-bankrupted-his-atlantic-city-casinos-but-he-still/2281296/

booneruk

You can be as cautious/paranoid etc as you like, but you have to accept that can mean giving up access to certain facilities.

You also do realise that post has been compromised and led to identity thefts before, and presumably you trust that enough to use it?

JadedAngel88

PocketWatchMan said:

JadedAngel88 said:

If you're selling your own junk on eBay, HMRC are not interested.

If, on the other hand, you're buying things to sell to make profit. Then HMRC are interested.

I've been infrequently selling my junk on eBay since 2006, I've not been asked or given them any personal documents but would if they asked.

Sometimes it's better to not cut your nose off just to spite your face.

Sorry but this simply does not match real world experience - someone of my acquaintance has had to retain legal advice at considerable expense, as HMRC have accused him of being a trader (which is a laughable accusation, to those that know the person) simply for letting go of things that have been in a basement or loft for years, if not decades. This is far from the only example I have heard of, in the past year or so. If HMRC decide they are interested, then the burden of proof now switches to you, to prove you are not buying to make a profit.

Which is why I said the highlighted part.

Seem it's different strokes for different folks. (We're not all being asked to show proof, only some people are).

horsewithnoname

robtes said:

I am only a small (<£1k pa) private seller just old household obsolete stuff . Last Nov Eb hit us all with enhanced security requirements (allegedly) which required two extra  forms of personal identification eg Passport w photo or Driving licence and so on.  On principle I will never offer this sort of detail on line (other than an obvious Government site or NHS).  I believe the HMRC decided to clamp down on all us small private sellers for tax purposes (doesnt accept what pathetically small profit we may gain from sell low value items).  You dont pay tax on such second hand goods anyway.  Gumtree does punish you just charges a fee for a contact IIRC?

So thats it Bye Bye Ebay no more selling.  BTW I was sick of the abusive attitude Ebay took towards Sellers anyway.  I also hated the way that PRC sellers could get away with blatant abuse of the Ebay rules (such as multiple listings of the same product 100s of times. false claim their product is UK based when this is a lie etc).  I find Ali Express quite easy to use but expect 3 weeks delivery - but some days 7 days!!!! 

Nothing has changed with regard to HMRC; if you are trading your profit is taxable, as it always has been, in accordance with the laws of the land. At least have your facts straight before you complain about things. 

Murphybear

Speaking as a regular buyer but never sold anything  I am pleased that eBay sellers undergo quite stringent checks.  

Pollycat

robtes said:

As a matter of security I always make a point of using alias data where ever possible - not for any dishonest reasons  just that I do not trust the internet and I have never been financially delinquent.  Have you read the bg to the Ginger Bully  bankrupted 6 casinos yet still stole $millions
I dont know if im allowed to post hyperlinks so here a clue to look up and be amazed  tampabaydotcom /news/politics/national/heres-how-donald-trump-bankrupted-his-atlantic-city-casinos-but-he-still/2281296/

You've stopped selling on eBay.

That's fine.

Just stop trying to convince everybody else who has safely bought and sold on eBay to do the same.

Just move on.

soolin

I can only say again that online sales, through any site, doesn't suit everyone.  Some of us, and I am guilty of doing this, just see it as a very easy way to run a side hustle (wearing my business hat) and also to declutter a lifetime of hoarding (with my private hat on) and because we just do it without thinking we assume everyone can or should. We all managed back in the 80s/90s (although I suspect most of you weren't born then!) without all trying to make a bit extra online, so not selling online should be the norm really.

I have several close friends and family members who over the years have asked me about selling online, I always refuse to do it for them as I'm not selling for others and potentially losing friends , but I cannot persuade them to do it for themselves- for a variety of reasons. Some don't like being online, some say it is all to worrying. others don't want the hassle of postage and yes some worry about financial security - although many of those use store loyalty cards which confuses their argument. I would never ever persuade someone to sell if they weren't comfortable, nor think them luddites , it is a personal choice and that's absolutely fine.

However, I would take great exception to any of them telling me I was daft to do it just because they don't want to do it.